December 31st 2023.
2023 was a year full of discoveries. From major breakthroughs in astronomy, space travel, health and medicine to some of the more weird and wonderful discoveries and happenings, it certainly was an eventful 12 months.
It all started in January when Nasa scientists thought they had discovered the face of a bear on the surface of the Red Planet. This strange image was taken by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter from 150 miles above the surface.
Bringing animals back from extinction is also a major hope for many scientists. In Australia, the team used the DNA of a long-gone creature, the Dodo, to create meatballs.
The Hirota people, who lived on the southern Japanese island of Tanegashima, also had some bizarre parenting techniques. Parents bound their babies’ heads to make them short and flat. Until this year, it wasn’t known if the deformities were natural or deliberate.
Paleontologists at University College Cork also discovered the origin of ginger hair in a 10-million-year-old amphibian - a frog. In November, scientists announced they had discovered something very weird inside the planet, a watery ocean trapped beneath the crust.
The Scythians are a mysterious civilisation, leaving little trace behind for 21st century archaeologists to decipher. However, they did make one gruesome discovery this year regarding what happened to their defeated enemies. Researchers found leather equipment made from human skin at a burial mound, something recorded by ancient Greek historian Herodotus – who also alleged they drank the blood of their enemies.
This year also saw some very bizarre discoveries about sea cucumbers. Scientists at the University of Philadelphia, USA, have discovered that it might be able to kill liver cancer cells.
The serotine bat also has some incredible abilities. Paleontologists found that their tiny teeth are stronger than diamonds, and they use their enormous penis as an arm during sex.
So, did you pay attention to the weirdest stories from 2023? Test your memory with our quick quiz. Want to be the first to hear the world’s top stories? The Agency is now on WhatsApp sending vital updates and top trending stories straight to your phone. Follow us to receive the latest news updates from Metro. Join the Metro WhatsApp community now for breaking news, juicy showbiz stories and must-watch videos from across our website.
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